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Mangave 'Mission to Mars' PP29393

MAD ABOUT MANGAVE® Collection

Common Name: Mangave

A common nickname for Mars is the Red Planet, and this Mangave gets its moniker due to the unique, intense red coloration from the leaves. 2¾in wide, thick green leaves are heavily speckled with burgundy red, with spots that bleed into each other for an overall red appearance. The red coloration is brought out best in direct UV light and becomes subdued under heavy plastic. The 12in long leaves form arching habit, caused by the tips of the leaves curving downward. Margins curl upward to show off its cinnamon spines, a nice color complement to the red.

Mangave is a relatively new phenomenon, as a cross between the genus Manfreda and Agave. These rare hybrids combine the best of both worlds: the better growth rate and the interesting patterns of Manfreda, and the habit and refinement of Agave. We are very excited (shall we say mad?) about our new hybrids from Walters Gardens, Inc. hybridizing. Growers will appreciate the fast growth rate of Mangave—these hybrids finish more quickly than Agave, thanks to their Manfreda parentage. Look to the future for more interesting and unique looks to join the collection!

Mangave is a tender perennial or "temperennial" succulent plant that grows best in full sun. Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette or plant directly in the ground. In summer when the plants are actively growing, they appreciate a bit of supplemental watering and half-strength fertilizer. They should be grown dry in winter. Mangave is a slower grower, so it will not quickly overtake the space it is allotted in the landscape.

Feed once every two weeks with a light 100 ppm drench of liquid fertilizer. Do not over feed.

Vernalization:

Avoid cold temperatures.

Pests & Diseases:

Avoid wet conditions as this leads to crown and root rots.

Potting & Timing:

Plant small plugs into 1 quart pots in early summer.Use a growing media with extremely good drainage.

Moisture:

Moderate moisture is needed for younger plants to stay active. Avoid overly wet or extreme dry conditions. A good rule of thumb is to water mangave like you would a hosta.

Planting Level:

Top of the plug should be level with the soil line.

Lighting:

High light levels required.It is best to provide supplemental lighting if holding plants through the winter.

Other Comments:

Mangave finish much quicker than Agave. This makes them a good choice if you are looking to sell the plants in the same season.

Grower Tips:

Mangave should be held at warm temperatures above 60° F through the winter.Extended cool temperatures can cause the plant to decline. It is best to provide light in the winter months to prevent the plants from stretching.Plants should be held slightly dry during winter, but be sure to avoid excessive dryness.The spotting and distinctive coloration on mangave is intensified by UV light. During winter months if plants are grown indoors or in a greenhouse under poly, the color and spotting will fade, but will intensify again once they receive a couple weeks of direct sunlight.

Mangave is a tender perennial or "temperennial" succulent plant that grows best in full sun. Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette or plant directly in the ground. In summer when the plants are actively growing, they appreciate a bit of supplemental watering and half-strength fertilizer. They should be grown dry in winter. Mangave is a slower grower, so it will not quickly overtake the space it is allotted in the landscape.

Feed once every two weeks with a light 100 ppm drench of liquid fertilizer. Do not over feed.

Vernalization:

Avoid cold temperatures.

Pests & Diseases:

Avoid wet conditions as this leads to crown and root rots.

Potting & Timing:

Plant small plugs into 1 quart pots in early summer.Use a growing media with extremely good drainage.

Moisture:

Moderate moisture is needed for younger plants to stay active. Avoid overly wet or extreme dry conditions. A good rule of thumb is to water mangave like you would a hosta.

Planting Level:

Top of the plug should be level with the soil line.

Lighting:

High light levels required.It is best to provide supplemental lighting if holding plants through the winter.

Other Comments:

Mangave finish much quicker than Agave. This makes them a good choice if you are looking to sell the plants in the same season.

Grower Tips:

Mangave should be held at warm temperatures above 60° F through the winter.Extended cool temperatures can cause the plant to decline. It is best to provide light in the winter months to prevent the plants from stretching.Plants should be held slightly dry during winter, but be sure to avoid excessive dryness.The spotting and distinctive coloration on mangave is intensified by UV light. During winter months if plants are grown indoors or in a greenhouse under poly, the color and spotting will fade, but will intensify again once they receive a couple weeks of direct sunlight.